The Next Generation

Today, our Mother Earth is facing critical problems
she has never experienced before.

The fossil fuels we have long depended upon,
such as petroleum and coal, are a nonrenewable
energy source which will dry up in the not-so-distant
future.

In addition, the natural environment of the earth
is continuously deteriorating from air pollution,
the global warming effect, and other environment
disruptions caused by the consumption of such
fuels.

It is critical for us to immediately develop
an alternative renewable and clean energy source
which will never run out or pollute the environment.

By the year 2050, the world's population is predicted
to grow beyond its current level of 6 billion
people to more than 10 billion. We must secure
ample food to feed this massive population, and
we must begin our efforts to secure such a supply
now.

The Desert...

We are directing our attention to a forgotten
territory of the Earth- the desert- realizing
it is a largely unexplored frontier where we may
be able to solve all of the above-mentioned difficult
problems currently threatening the existence of
human beings.

To resuscitate the desert as a fruitful oasis
that will be a clean source of energy to serve
our next generation- this is the underlying concept
of the Desert Development Project.

Hidden Potential of the Sun

As an Energy Supply Base

One of the most anticipated alternative energy sources
for the next generation is solar energy, which is virtually
limitless and pollution-free.

The desert possesses the optimum meteorological conditions
to function as a supply base for solar energy. The duration
of sunshine in the desert is 2 to 3 times longer than
anywhere in Japan. In addition to abundant energy, the
vast expanse of area allows for mass production, while,
at the same time, it helps to hold down the cost of
generating energy.

For example, the estimated world demand for electricity
in the year 2000 (oil conversion: 14 billion kiloliters/year)
could be easily covered by installing solar cells covering
only 4% (650,000 km²) of the total area of deserts
on the Earth.

As Food-Supply Base

In order to solve the worldwide food shortage, the
development of a vast network of farmland is essential.
Therefore, the desert, which accounts for one-third
of the land on the Earth, is expected to be an important
base for food supply. The water issue must be resolved
in order to convert desert land into farmland. Irrigation
technology which utilizes the abundant underground water
stored in the desert has been under development for
some time. Solar power has a critical role to play in
development of water sources, including underground
water.

To Prevent Desertification

Deserts are gradually expanding, owing to various artificial
factors which ignore the ecosystem of deserts. Our proposal
to develop energy and farmland begins first with stabilizing
the desert, thus enabling the desert to continue developing
in perfect harmony with the ecosystem.

A First Step  China

We have been conducting a model study on development
of a large-scale solar power station and farmland at
a desert location in China.

China, the world's most populous country, is now facing
serious shortages of energy and food. In addition, China
is virtually dependent on coal as its sole energy source,
thus incurring serious health risks from air pollution,
acid rain, as well as desertification of its arable
lands. Development of the desert areas in China could
greatly contribute to China's economic growth, and,
at the same time, have a far-reaching influence on the
overall Asian economy by promoting related industries,
including agriculture, and community development. We
believe that our project will be a significant first
step toward solving the various pressing ecological
issues which effect us all on a global level.

Outline of Development

The illustration is an artist's conception of the Desert
Development Project. The power station topped with solar
cells is positioned at the center, farmland and pasture
land are located in the surrounding areas, and research
and housing facilities are scattered along the windbreak
forests and streets, which run in a grid. This layout
will be repeated in future development sites and form
a total network.

1. Windbreak/Sandbreak Forests

Forests and pastures ranging in width from several
hundred meters to several kilometers will be created
in order to stabilize sand dunes and protect the power
station and farmland.

2. Solar power stations

The key power stations of the project will be 2km²
in size and have generating capacity of approximately
100,000 kW. Electricity generated at such power stations
will be transmitted to major consuming cities, while
portion of the electricity will be utilized within the
area for agricultural development, and for residential
and commercial use as well.

3. Farmland and Pasture Land

Agricultural development will be conducted by securing
sources of water, including underground water, through
utilization of solar energy. Precious water can be effectively
used in farming by employing water-saving methods. In
addition, the development of pasture land will be extensively
undertaken, since raising livestock is one of the most
practical activities in a desert.

4. Housing Facilities

Housing for those who work at the facilities will be
constructed within the area.

5. Infrastructure

Infrastructure, such as highways which connect the
area to nearby cities, power-transmission facilities,
and commuter airports, will be constructed.

6. Research Centers

A comprehensive research center for desert development,
as well as training/educational facilities for engineers
(subjects will include agriculture and energy), will
be constructed within the center of the area.

Other Desert-Related Projects

Desert Dome Project

This ambitious project involves covering
an expansive portion of desert land with a huge
dome, then growing plants inside the dome, where
they will be protected from the effects of severe
weather conditions. Once afforestation is stabilized
within the dome, the dome itself will be moved to
the next location. Various technologies which encourage
growth of plants without damaging the ecosystem
will be utilized, holding the Underground Irrigation
System, Plant Vitality Monitoring System and Soil
Improvement System.

SRG (Silk Road Genesis*) Project

The Project involves construction
of 50 solar power plants (solar power stations,
total power capacity: 0.1 billion kW) in the desert
near 40° north latitude (which has ideal sunlight
conditions) and connecting Beijing and Moscow with
a 10,000km superconductor cable. The project's aim
is to build a solar power system on an international
scale.